A Sacred Spot

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The Crystal Cathedral, an international symbol of American Evangelical Christianity, is about to change hands. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange bought the landmark building and campus and plans to transform it into a Catholic Cathedral and cultural center. The sale marks a new beginning for both churches. “We have come of age as our own place,” said Monsignor Michael Heher, the diocese's vicar general. For the Crystal Cathedral congregation, it's a move tinged with sadness. The once prominent ministry will be moving to a humbler abode. Its future is uncertain. But its pastor, the Rev. Bobby Schuller, is optimistic the church that was founded by his grandfather, the Rev. Robert H. Schuller, will survive. “The last few years have been so hard,” said the younger Schuller. “A lot of people in our church are ready to move on and start something new ... There's excitement about the future.”

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